#19 - JRL 8258 - JRL Home
From: "Dale R. Herspring, Professor of Political Science, Kansas State University" <falka@ksu.edu>
Subject: MOD/General Staff
Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2004

From all appearances, Russia is in the process of finally redefining the role played by the General STaff and the MOD. Under the old document, the Minister of Defense controlled the Armed Forces "via the Defense Ministry and the General STaff." The latter was considered the center for operational control. This caused tremendous problems as the MOD -- on occasion ignored orders from Ivanov since it was up to them to implement them. Indeed, those who follow military politics in Russia are well aware that a battle has been raging between Ivanov and General Kvashnin since the former took over as defense minister.

The new law, however, makes it clear that the General Staff is subordinate to the Mininister of Defense. It is no longer a "separate but equal" structure. In fact, it will be up to the Minister of Defense to determine the General Staff's prerogatives. While Ivanov has used the expected diplomatic language in describing the changes he plans, suggesting that the General Staff has been overburdened by worrying about "day-to-day" operations. "Specialists with the very highest qualifications likethose concentrated in the General Staff ought to be spending every day dealing with issues of strategy and the operational arts." The message is clear, Kvashnin and his colleagues are to confine themselves to long-term planning. As far as who will be in charge, Ivanov turned to the old Soviet concept, "unity of command" noting that "there is one immutable constant in military organization: the principle of one-man command and one-man military control." Translation -- Ivanov is in charge period.

Things change slowly in Russia under Putin and the reader should not expect a revitalized Military establishment tomorrow. The key, however, is that in many ways, Kvashnin and some of his colleagues will no longer be able to stand in Ivanov's way. If they do, they risk being "retired." It is too soon to say whether Ivanov will use his newly gained power to push through meaningful reforms. The latest exercise "Mobility - 2004" suggests that a major restruring may, repeat may be in the offing. In any case, after several years, Moscow now has a defense minister with the power needed to take on the General Staff. That in itself is a major change.